This Christmas, Kingston is hosting, and everyone’s invited!🎄
In this Insider Guide you’ll find everything you need to know about what’s on around town this festive season.
From brand-new winter attractions, festive traditions and where to see Father Christmas, to gift shopping and dining recommendations – we have collected all the latest festivities which we will be updating weekly, so all you have to do is get out there and enjoy the festive cheer with your loved ones! Keep reading to find out how to make your Christmas in Kingston an unforgettable one!🌟
New Winter Attractions
End of November to early February | Open every day – Lit up from 4pm to 8pm – Free entry
This Christmas, Kingston is unveiling two spectacular new winter experiences, bringing a fresh sense of wonder to the town centre – free entry for all!
Step into the Ice Garden at Memorial Gardens, where cascading lights and immersive soundscapes transform the space into an enchanting winter landscape. Explore interactive features, discover captivating insta-worthy photo opportunities and experience the gardens in an entirely new light. Beautiful by day, the Ice Garden takes on an ethereal quality after dark, when illuminated displays and atmospheric soundscapes create a truly mesmerising experience.
Close by at Eagle Brewery Wharf, a brand-new giant light structure called Beacon brings another immersive experience, combining light and interactive touch features. Together, the two experiences give Kingston a new winter identity – something to experience, photograph and share, whether you’re discovering the mesmerising display in daylight or seeing them transformed after dark.
Win £500 in Vouchers for the Ultimate Christmas Experience
Bringing all the festive fun together is your Christmas go-to guide – the InKingston app – helping you discover all the best festive events and offers from local businesses for the perfect day out in Kingston.
Best of all, this year you’ll have the chance to WIN the ultimate day out in Kingston, worth £500! Just redeem three offers through the app and you’ll automatically be entered into a prize draw worth £500 in vouchers which includes a premium dinner experience at Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, tickets to a show of your choice at the Rose Theatre, and a shopping spree at Zara – everything you need for the ultimate experience in Kingston!
Christmas Market with Gift Stalls, Bar & Live Music. Plus an extended Market at All Saints Church
12th November – 3rd January
The popular Kingston Christmas Market is back this year with a wide range of stalls offering handcrafted presents to pick for your loved ones, and delicious food (to treat yourself!), while the bar will be serving mulled wine and hot chocolate to warm you up after a day of festive fun. The stage is also back this year, with live music to sing-along and dance to, as you get into the festive spirit🎶
To extend the festive fun, this year you can also visit an extended Christmas Market at All Saints Church, including more gift stalls and food options, plus a Christmas carousel!🎠
Opening Times
Market Stalls
Sunday to Wednesday – 10am to 6pm
Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 8pm
Christmas Eve/Boxing Day – 10am – 6pm
Bar, Food & Entertainment
Monday to Wednesday – 10am to 9pm
Thursday to Saturday – 10am to 10pm
Sunday/Christmas Eve/Boxing Day – 10am to 8pm
The market will be closed all day on 25th December.
Find the Stage Performance Schedule here
Magical Christmas Lights & Installations
12th November – 5th January
You know it’s Christmas when the lights turn on…✨ our bespoke Christmas lights are officially bringing the festive glow to Kingston on 12th November! Walk through the warmly lit-up streets, take the most magical photos under the iconic Christmas tree on Clarence Street and the giant KINGSTON sign, and admire the whimsical giant present by the train station🎁
Where to See Father Christmas
There is no holiday spirit without Father Christmas himself🎅 The international big red superstar will be visiting Kingston throughout the holiday season, and his little fans will be able to meet him at the Bentall Centre or Wacky Kingdom for a special Christmas meet and greet.
Make sure you visit in time to ask for your Christmas presents just before the big day arrives!
Christmas Shopping
Not sure where to get your Christmas gifts from? From big department stores and popular retail chains to independent boutiques and passionate local makers, our town boasts a diverse shopping scene that caters to every taste and preference. The outstanding local retail offer makes Kingston the perfect place to tick off your Christmas shopping list, with over 250 shops to choose from.
Read more in our detailed Christmas Shopping Guide at Where to go Christmas Shopping in Kingston
Festive Food & Drink
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and, of course, fabulous food! Kingston’s fantastic variety of pubs, bars and restaurants with an unlimited selection of cuisines in town, never fail to impress with their unique takes on festive classics and special treats🍬
Check out our carefully curated Festive Food Insider Guide – taking you through all the delicious seasonal offers and where to book your next Christmas meal.
Magical Events & Performances
If none of the above seems satisfy your festive vision, no need to be a grinch, we have plenty of fun events lined up for you in the heart of Kingston!
The Wind in the Willows at the Rose Theatre
25th November – 3rd January
Join Mole, Toad and friends for a magical Christmas adventure at Rose Theatre in this heart-warming family adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. Book your tickets now
Treetorial: How To Style & Decorate Your Tree This Year🎄
18th & 25th November & 5th December
Join the Home Design Stylists at John Lewis Kingston for expert styling tips, live demonstrations and the 2026 festive tree decorating themes. Tickets from £10 – book now!
Wreath Making Workshop at The Cotswold Company
Thursday, 3rd December at 1pm
Create a festive wreath with seasonal stems and foliage! Enjoy refreshments and a goody bag worth £45 when you spend £150 in-store at the Cotswold Company. Book your spot.
Teddington Choral Society Christmas Concert⭐
Saturday, 5th December at 7.30pm
Enjoy a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary choral music, beautiful seasonal compositions and well-loved Christmas carols at All Saints Church. Accompanied by organ and piano, this special evening promises a heartwarming festive experience for all! Book your tickets.
The Christmas Troll at FUSEBOX
Saturday, 5th December
Set against a backdrop of local history, humour and music, The Christmas Troll is a warm, magical storytelling show about loneliness, generosity and the small acts that can change everything – especially at Christmas. Suitable for ages 2-7 y/o. Book here.
Kingston’s Voices Together: Community Choir Fundraising
Saturday, 12th December
Raise your voice and help tackle homelessness at Kingston’s Voices Together, a community choir fundraising event at the Richard Mayo Centre.
Join a fun-filled day of singing, learning songs in four-part harmony with expert choir leader Tania Kysliak, and performing in an uplifting evening concert. No auditions or previous experience needed! Find out more.
